Why does my GP want to see me, bit worried.

[donttellmeoff]

I saw my GP in December for work related stress (being bullied at work), I was prescribed citalopram 20mg and he referred me to CBT which I have now started and I am really engaging with. I have not seen my GP since and the citalopram has been on a repeat prescription.

I have a past history of self harm and on Friday I did a reasonably serious cut which required stitching up by a plastic surgeon because A&E felt it was too deep. First time I had cut in 4 years. So that's the back story.

I had a phone call from my GPs surgery asking me to come in and see him on Friday. What does he want to see me for? I am really worried he will stop the citalopram or stop my CBT because he thinks it is not working because I have self injured. I am a bit scared. Obviously I am not proud of what I did on Friday and I am going to try and work through it and move forwards.

Sounds like you have a good GP. Certainly in the first few months on ADs you should be seen for review regularly. It is probably related to what you did on Friday but if anything he is likely to want to see whether you need more ADs and more support. He is unlikely to stop your citalopram as that would be dangerous and make you worse. Don't be scared and don't be ashamed. Cutting is a coping mechanism not a crime.

By the way - how many sessions of CBT have you had? If you are really engaging with it, it is quite normal to feel worse before you feel better and that can explain the SH.

Have you explored (now or in the past) alternatives to cutting such as pinging with elastic bands, burning with ice and running?

Thank you for your reply. I have had maybe 5/6 sessions? I am finding it very valuable and I have a good relationships with my therapist.

I cut for damage and blood and so elastic bands and ice cubes have not worked for me in the past. I swim and go to the gym regularly but obviously at the moment that is not possible because of my leg.

I imagine he has received the info from the hospital so wants to talk to you about that and see how to stop it happening again? So he will want to work with you to help you, however that has to happen. Just go with it?